IND vs NZ: 2nd T20I Preview – New Zealand eye must-win game at Ranchi

India and New Zealand are all set to face each other in the 2nd 20I of the series. Team India survived a last over scare to seal the first T20I and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Another win in the second match will assure them the series. On the other hand, the Kiwis will look to level the series and march ahead onto the decider.

Heading into the second game, the Indian team looks strong enough to close this series out. There is definitely a strong sense of belief that they would prove to be a bit too strong against the New Zealand team, but it should be noted that the visitors did manage to give the hosts a scare during their run chase. Don’t be surprised if this is a close game.

Match Info

India vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I

Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi

Date and time: November 19, 7:00 PM IST

Head-to-head

India had won the last bilateral series 5-0 between these two sides in New Zealand in 2020. The last series between these two sides in India was also won by India 2-1 in 2017.

Team News

India: There is a bit of uncertainty over Mohammed Siraj, who suffered a little injury in his hand. Even though it was his left-hand, he could be rested for this game as there are a few more bowlers like Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan waiting in the ranks to be tested out. Rest of the combination should remain the same as India would want to have the series in their bag before they start experimenting.

New Zealand: The Blackcaps decided to rest Ish Sodhi and opted for Todd Astle. Resting Sodhi turned out to be a bad ploy as Astle ended up being very expensive with the ball. Lockie Ferguson was also picked ahead of Adam Milne after the former recovered from his injury which made him miss the T20 World Cup. The Kiwis might want to add the x-factor of Jimmy Neesham in the lower-middle order, considering how badly they missed him in the previous game.